Ash Removal + Cabling and Pruning on an Elm

This week brought us one of those jobs that really showcases the full range of what tree care can look like — and we loved every minute of it. We started the day with the removal of a dead ash tree, another casualty of the devastating Emerald Ash Borer that has worked its way through so many Minnesota yards over the years. It's never easy saying goodbye to a tree that has stood in a yard for decades, but getting a dead ash down safely and efficiently is one of the most important things a homeowner can do for their property. With the ash taken care of cleanly and the area tidied up, we turned our attention to the real showstopper of the day — a beautiful elm tree that just needed a little love and attention to thrive for years to come.

Rather than removing the elm, we were thrilled to give it a new lease on life through a combination of pruning, cabling, and bracing. We carefully pruned away dead, crossing, and structurally weak branches to improve the overall health and shape of the tree, and then installed cabling and bracing to provide support to some of the heavier limbs and co-dominant stems that needed a little extra help. Cabling and bracing done right is truly an art form — it's all about working with the tree's natural structure to keep it strong and safe without taking away from its beauty. By the time we finished, that elm was looking absolutely stunning and structurally sound.

Days like this are a great reminder that tree care isn't always about removal — sometimes it's about preservation, and there's nothing more rewarding than saving a magnificent tree that still has so much life left to give. If you have a tree on your property that you're worried about, don't assume removal is the only answer. At Rooted Treeworks, we explore every option to keep your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful for as long as possible. Give us a call and let's talk about what we can do for yours!